Picnic table main frame

ABSTRACT

A resourceful yet rigid flat metal picnic table end frame designed to mount wooden, PVC boards or other materials to form the table and seat sections using a simple 2 part fame bent in strategic locations to create stability and mount surfaces. Three gusset supports are used at each end. The end frames are a two part component designed to mount both the seat and table top material and provide a flat surface for multiple design cut outs to be removed without sacrificing the structural integrity of the frame. Design cut-outs are optional, the solid ends can provide a surface for personalized graphic designs or advertisement.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] Applications related to picnic tables were researched on the PTOinternet web site. Other applications for picnic tables were found butnone included, or were similar to, the materials or design of the PicnicTable Main Frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] To design a sturdy, durable, affordable, attractive, picnic tableframe that could be marketed either fully assembled or in a kit formthrough a laser cutting process. The metal side panels are manufacturedwith laser cut designs or as solid panels that provide space for graphicart or advertising.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A resourceful yet rigid flat metal picnic table end-framedesigned to mount wooden, PVC boards or other materials to form thetable and seat sections using a simple two part frame assembly withgusset supports. The end frame assembly at each end is a single partcomponent designed to mount both the seat and table top material andprovide a flat surface for multiple design cut outs to be removedwithout sacrificing the structural integrity of the frame.

[0004] This invention has many unique advantages over the prior art ofmaking picnic table frames. By utilizing a laser cutting manufacturingprocess, hundreds of table frame flat plates can be cut out in 24 hourswith very little human inner action The final manufacturing processesafter the frames have been cut require a simple four point bendingprocess and paint application. As a result of the flat frame designmultiple frames can be stacked on one pallet taking up very little spacefor convenience in transit, warehousing and in the market place.

[0005] The flat solid sides of the picnic table frame create an ideallocation for the application of graphic art or advertising. The sides ofthe frames are used to apply such things as company logos, schoolmascots, graphic art and advertising.

[0006] The frames can also be used to create the same effects asapplying graphics through the process of laser cutting designs into theface of the frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007]FIG. 1 is a side view of the end frame at the assembly process forattaching the gusset supports, seat and table top materials.

[0008]FIG. 2 is the flat view of the end frame laying out the structuraldimensions of the part as well as identifying the bend lines. Thisdrawing displays a solid side without design cut outs providing a smoothflat surface area for applying graphic art or advertisement.

[0009]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the assembled picnic table withthe end frames displaying a laser cut design.

[0010]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled picnic table withthe end frames displaying a solid side with a graphic design applied.

[0011]FIG. 5 is a flat view of the end frame laying out the structuraldimensions of the part as well as identifying the bend lines. Thisdrawing displays an example of the optional laser cut design which canbe removed from the face of the end fame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] This picnic table is made of two solid metal laser cut end-frames60 inches in total width. Material thickness may vary. The top and seatlevels are bent to 90 degrees to provide a table height (without lumber)of 31.09″ and seat height (without lumber) of 16.34″, these areas willbe laser cut with 12 and 4 hole patterns for attaching the table top andseat materials respectively. Holes are also cut for gussets andanchoring. The kit will include 2 table gussets and 4 seat gussets forstability, with carriage bolts, nuts and washers for assembly.

[0013] The laser cut end-frames can be made with precision laser cut-outdesigns or without. The laser cut-outs make the table aestheticallyappealing, but do not compromise the structural integrity of the frame.The frame without the cut-outs offers sufficient space for addingindividualized graphic art, business logo, or advertising to meet theneeds of the consumer.

[0014] The choice of building materials, easy assembly, and theversatility offered by the end-frame design make this picnic tableappropriate in both residential and commercial applications.

[0015] This picnic table differs from the traditional style tablebecause of the solid, flat steel, laser cut and bent frame. The frameoffers strength and durability along with the ability to personalize atable with individual choice of artwork or the cut-out designs. Theend-frame design also offers easy access to and from the bench seats.

[0016] The drawings provide the overall dimensions of the picnic tablemain frame, pinpointing locations of the precut holes for tabletop, seatand gusset attachment as well as the location of optional cut-outdesigns and assembly.

1. A metal picnic table end frame typically cut from, but not limitedto, a sheet of {fraction (3/16)} flat plate by a laser cutting process.2. A flat sheet of metal consisting of multiple holes, cut by design,for mounting the table top, seat materials, gusset support, and possiblesecurity attachment.
 3. A flat metal structure bent 90 degrees down thetop section forming the mount base for attachment of the tabletopmaterial and increasing the frames structural integrity.
 4. A flat metalstructure bent 90 degrees at the two ends forming the mount base forattachment of the seating material.
 5. A flat metal structure bent 90degrees down the bottom section forming the frame base and increasingthe frames structural integrity.
 6. A flat metal end structure providingsufficient area for removal of material for lightening the load andcutting out aesthetically appealing designs without compromising thestructural integrity of the frame.
 7. A flat metal end structure withsufficient area for application of graphic arts or advertising.
 8. Aflat metal structure designed to allow easy access to and from the areaof occupancy.